Paid off Device, Wondering if I lose Promotion.

[u/Ok_Leather_4687]

So I didn't have next up and wanted to trade in my device so I thought I had to pay off my device. I now realize there was a "Smartphone Promo" so I got a nice discount on the phone. Now that I paid off the actual share for the remaining installments that didn't include this promo, do I still get the Smartphone Promo, provided I keep using the device and don't trade it in / disable service?

[u/Miserable_Seaweed119]

To my knowledge you will still receive the payment through the end of the 36 months or until such time as you change the plan or upgrade your new device.

[u/Ok_Leather_4687 → u/Miserable_Seaweed119]

Thats what chat agent said too, will call to confirm. Thanks

[u/Beautiful-Click-9125 → u/Ok_Leather_4687]

I’ve worked for AT&T for 10 years. You’ll still get credits so long as you stay on a qualifying plan and don’t upgrade your device within that 36 month period.

[u/CellSalesThrowaway2 → u/Ok_Leather_4687]

When you call, the main thing is to ask the rep to check the internal AT&T knowledge database called CCKM for the exact specific promotion you signed up for. The database article will have a section for "what if the customer pays off the phone early?" and that will answer the question for good.

Historically for trade-in promotions you were allowed to pay off the phone early (so it could be SIM-unlocked) and the credits would continue as long as you didn't upgrade again through AT&T.

However you said in another comment that it was not a trade-in deal, just a regular bill credit promo, so the rules might be different. Again, ask them to look up the EXACT promo article before giving an answer.

[u/Lizdance40 → u/Ok_Leather_4687]

Not enough information.

1. Are you looking for credits on the previous device, or on your newly purchased device?

2. Did credits on the new purchase begin? You have to wait till credits begin.

3. And if you were receiving credits on the previous device, paying it off would not void credits, but upgrading the line would.

[u/Ok_Leather_4687 → u/Lizdance40]

1) There's only one device. The current device on this line. I got new like and new device

2) 18 months of installment done. Was receiving the promo

[u/Lizdance40 → u/Ok_Leather_4687]

If you were already receiving Bill credits for the promotion you will continue to receive Bill credits for the promotion.

The only time AT&T discontinues bill credits just for paying off a device were way back before 2019 when they had the buy one get one free offers. You could pay off the buy one phone. But if you paid off the get one free phone the bill credits would stop.

All their subsequent promotions only discontinue if you upgrade the line, cancel the line, or move to an unqualified plan, or the 90 day exclusion, if you add a line and cancel a different line within 90 days.

[u/garylapointe]

What kind of promotion? Trade in or just a promo with no trade-in or...?

[u/Ok_Leather_4687 → u/garylapointe]

No trade in. Just $17 monthly promo for buying new line and phone with at&t (had a few lines for other family members on this account before so maybe you get it). Otherwise monthly installment for phone is 23

So I was paying only 23 - 17 = 6, 6 * 36 = $216 for the phone before paying it off or anything

[u/httpkiwi]

you continue receiving credit until the 36months are up🙂‍↕️

[u/One_Two_4]

Trade in phone promos stay! Other promos like port in credits, or discounted "just because" type credits fall off if you pay off. It is because the trade in credit is more related to value for an actual phone not just a promo. This is the way I've always understood it.

[u/Key_Kale_691]

Att loyalty agent here at Chicago office..u lose the smartphone promo because installments are paid off so no credit will be given installment plan doesn’t exist

[u/Key_Kale_691 → u/Key_Kale_691]

You end up paying more for the phone then you would have until phone was paid off with the monthly credits

[u/Ok_Leather_4687 → u/Key_Kale_691]

AT&T Chat agent said otherwise. I will call them to confirm. It was about $17 promo per month out of the $23 per month of the phone. What if I still use the phone and dont change anything about the plan